A new report on youth justice systems across Europe has questioned the UK's punitive approach to children. The Howard League for Penal Reform has today published 'Punishing children', a report that examines and compares different youth justice systems across Europe.

Celebrations marking Britain's best Olympic success in 100 years, with 19 gold medals, were marred by the fatal stabbing of an 18-year-old Londoner, adding to a knife-wielding trend that is worrying both church and government leaders.

As knife crime becomes a heightened national concern, Churches Together in England have published a report which recommends ways in which the Government, churches and the police service can work together more effectively.

Organisers of an anti-violent crime conference being held in Brixton on Saturday have welcomed the Archbishop of York’s comments that the Church of England should be reaching out to young people in knife crime.

A London gun and knife crime prayer vigil is to take place at Westminster Cathedral on Friday. The vigil is organised by Pasture, a group of Catholics, with a special interest in the young in the streets of London who are involved in gangs, knife and gun crimes.

Archbishop of York Dr John Sentamu has defended Archbishop of Canterbury Dr Rowan Williams from attacks by Anglican hardliners and has urged the Church of England to reach out to young people involved in knife crime.

Black Christian leaders have attacked UK Prime Minister Tony Blair, saying that his comments this week about Black communities did not recognise the work these communities - and especially Black Churches - are doing to tackle criminal gangs.

Tony Blair has casued controversy by claiming that a spate of knife and gun murders in London is being caused by a distinctive section of the black community.